OREANDA-NEWS. A new Walmart Neighborhood Market is opening Wednesday, Oct. 1, following a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. The new store is conveniently located at 3111 N. Chester Ave. and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The store will provide Bakersfield residents with low prices on a broad assortment of merchandise and offer Walmart's free Site to Store program, enabling customers to choose from nearly a million additional online items that can be ordered on Walmart.com and picked up at the Bakersfield store for free, often as quickly as the same day.

"Affordable and healthy home-prepared meals are possible only when families have the opportunity to purchase quality groceries at a great price,” said Mike Maggard, supervisor for Kern County District 3. The new Walmart Neighborhood Market offers exactly that to thousands of Oildale neighborhood families."

The new Bakersfield store is part of Walmart's plan to open an additional 270 to 300 small-format locations this year. The first Walmart Neighborhood Market opened in 1998, and today there are approximately 300 Walmart Neighborhood Market stores nationwide.

The new store will provide local customers with a new, convenient option for their grocery shopping needs, including fresh produce and pharmacy services. “Walmart is excited to be a part of the community just as fall gets in swing,” said Store Manager Jeff Coburn. “We have everything you need for your games, tailgates, and outdoor fun.”

Affordable Groceries to Meet Your Needs

The new store offers fresh produce and a full line of groceries from all the leading brand names and local favorites for school lunches. The new store will also have a wide selection of freshly baked breads and desserts.

Smaller Store, More Convenience

The new store is approximately one-fifth the size of a Walmart Supercenter. In addition to groceries, the store features health and beauty aids, pet products and cleaning supplies. In addition, customers can shop a broader assortment of items online at Walmart.com and then pay for these purchases with cash in all of Walmart U.S. stores and Walmart Neighborhood Markets, including the new Bakersfield store.

The pharmacy offers a full range of products and services. Pharmacy team members can answer product and prescription questions and customers can ask about health and wellness solutions. Bakersfield residents can easily transfer prescriptions and order refills on the go with the Walmart mobile app for iPhone and Android.

Renewing American Manufacturing

Walmart is committed to investing USD 250 billion in products that support American manufacturing over the next 10 years. In California, Walmart buys products from Sun Maid Raisins, a Kingsburg-based manufacturer that produces raisins and other dried fruits.

New Store, New Jobs

The new store employs up to 95 full- and part-time associates. Store manager Jeff Coburn began his Walmart career in 2000 as a toys associate.

Community Giving

The grand-opening celebration includes presentations of USD 6,000 in grants from Walmart to local community groups. USD 2,000 each will be donated to the Kern County Sheriff's Office, the Kern County Fire Department and North High School.

A Big Family Welcome

Walmart is happy to be part of the Bakersfield community and is ready to celebrate with residents on Saturday, Oct. 4. A Big Family Welcome will give customers a chance to meet Coburn and enjoy fun family activities such as face painting, cupcake decorating and free food samples while supplies last. Join the celebration from noon to 3 p.m.